Sub-50 cc bikes only ones banned from expressways

Q: Is there a minimum motorcycle engine size required to drive on 400-series highways in Ontario?

I have a 150 cc scooter with a rated top speed of 110 km/h. Because the engine exceeds 49 cc, it is classed as a motorcycle rather than a limited-speed-motorcycle.

When I took my M2-exit test recently, I was required to have highway experience and the examiner took me onto a 400-series highway. I was later told that this should not have occurred because the engine size was inadequate for 100 km/h highways.

A: Ontario Transportation Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols replies:

Plated low-speed motorcycles (LSM) and motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50 cc or less cannot be operated on 400-series highways. Other than that, there is no restriction as to engine displacement size for such highways.

Some colleges will prohibit motorcycles under 250 cc from 400-series highways during rider training, however, this is a self-imposed restriction and is not imposed by MTO. The bottom line with respect to the use of any particular motorcycle on a highway revolves around its capability to safely operate within the posted speed limit on that highway.

In the M2-exit training course, instructors are required to make an assessment, in consultation with the applicant, to ensure that the motorcycle has the required power to operate safely on the highway and that the applicant is comfortable operating his/her motorcycle on the highway.

To accommodate motorcycles that cannot be safely operated on 400-series highways, course providers may select alternate highway sections with a speed limit of 80 km/h or higher.

Q: I was driving on Hwy. 90 near Barrie. The road merges from two lanes to one. I saw a pickup truck coming up fast, determined to get in front of me before the merge. I had nowhere to go as I was now just about in the one lane only. He cut in front of me, barely missing hitting me and sprayed big chunks of gravel on my passenger window and on my passenger side door, which pitted the paint and just about shattered the window. He, at this time, was travelling on the small bit of shoulder before the merge.

In these instances, can anything be done? I caught up alongside but he refused to even look my way.

A: In general, if you spot a suspected impaired driver, criminal activity, road hazard (e.g. spilled load in live lane) or a vehicle that continues to drive in a reckless or dangerous manner that endangers other road users, then call 911. Emergency 911 calls are exempted from the distracted driver law.

Even though no direct contact between vehicles occurred, if the resulting damage is likely to exceed $1,000, or persons are injured, or damage to the highway resulted, its considered a reportable collision. Record the other vehicles plate number, colour, make, model and driver description and contact police. You’ll likely be directed to a collision reporting centre. If the other driver stops, obtain licence and insurance information as well.

In your example, it sounds like it was a single rude act rather than continual reckless driving, and likely doesn’t warrant calling 911. You may report it at a collision reporting centre or police station if you wish, regardless of the damage amount. However, since little/no damage occurred and police didn’t witness the objectionable driving, charges against the other driver are unlikely.

In areas with a Road Watch program, police will follow up on reports of objectionable driving with a letter, phone call, or a personal visit for repeat offenders. Check your local police website for information or to file a Road Watch incident report online, where service is available.

You can send your non-mechanical questions to Eric Lai at wheels@thestar.ca. Include year, make, model and kilometres of autos cited, plus your name, address and telephone number. Personal replies cannot be handled due to volume.

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